Auto Accidents

If you have recently been the victim of an auto accident, our legal team of New Jersey accident lawyers may be able to help you recover damages. Please take a few moments to look over the information on this page.

What should I do first?

Accidents can be emotional experiences, so it is critical that you calm down and take control of the situation. Here’s a short checklist of what to do:

Seek medical help immediately. Even if you don’t think your injuries are serious, see your doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries may not surface for days or even weeks after the accident, so it’s best to make sure you catch any minor injuries before aggravating them.

File a police report. Check to make sure a police report was filed at the time of the accident. If it wasn’t, notify the police immediately. You’ll want to get all the details into the official report.

Collect names and contact information. Make sure you have the names, addresses and phone numbers of everyone involved in the accident and any witnesses.

Consult with a lawyer. It’s important to discuss your case with a lawyer before you fill out any insurance forms, sign any checks, or meet with an insurance company representative – particularly the other driver’s insurance company. You can request a free case evaluation with one of our lawyers by filling out the Free Case Evaluation form on the top right side of this page.

Start a journal. The best way to keep track of what the injury is costing you is to start a daily journal describing how the injury is affecting you and your immediate family. You should also write down all your expenses, notes, transportation costs, lost wages, and any other relevant details.

finding an expert witness trained in accident investigations, if needed

Your lawyer does this so that he or she can re-enact the accident scene before a judge or jury. It is critical to have all the information available so you can paint as clear a picture as possible of what actually happened and who is at fault.

Do I have to file a lawsuit?

Not necessarily. Many minor cases are settled without filing a lawsuit. However, if you have suffered an injury that required medical attention and rehabilitation, an attorney can help you recover the expenses you incur as well as compensation for pain and suffering by presenting a strong case supported by irrefutable evidence.

What compensation am I entitled to?

The exact amount of money you can recover can’t be determined without analyzing all information related to your injury including your medical bills, loss of income, and the severity of your injury. Each case involves a different set of circumstances, and therefore different amounts of money.

New Jersey law allows recovery for pain and suffering, disfigurement, past and future medical bills, and past and future lost wages. Also, if you have a previous injury, you may be able to recover damages for re-injuring or aggravating it.

What if none of the vehicles are insured?

Even if all cars involved do not have insurance, it may still be possible to be compensated for your injuries. If you were a passenger or driving someone else’s car, you may be able to recover uninsured benefits from your own car insurance.

How long will my case take?

While we handle all cases as quickly as possible, the length of time varies from case to case. It is important to realize that once you settle your claim, you cannot go back for more money if you realize later that your injuries are more severe than you thought. Therefore, it is crucial to collect as much information as possible about your injuries before presenting your case before a judge.

How long will it take me to receive my money?

That depends on a number of factors such as how serious your injury is and whether your case is settled or goes to trial. If you have a serious injury, it’s best not to settle until you receive sufficient medical treatment and rehabilitation so you can better estimate how much your injury will cost you in the long run.

If you live in the Tri-State area and wish to speak to someone immediately regarding a criminal, personal injury, or consumer fraud matter, call our client-intake specialist, Ken Cooper, Senior Paralegal, at (856) 308-5426 for a free, confidential, and no-obligation case evaluation. If you have questions or want to speak with a lawyer about your case, please fill out the form below and we will respond within 24 hours.

DISCLAIMER

This website is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or imply an attorney-client relationship, nor is it intended to substitute for the legal advice of a competent attorney licensed in your jurisdiction. We ask that you please do not send us confidential information via this website.